From Microbiology to Product Design - Benjamin Osagie

When you hear “Product Designer,” you might picture someone immersed in Figma files, UI kits, and user flows. But when you meet Benjamin Osagie, you realize design is more than just digital interfaces, it’s a journey of clarity, community, and continuous learning.

Benjamin didn’t start his career in tech. In fact, he studied Microbiology, graduating in 2016, with no idea that he would someday mentor the next generation of tech creatives. But like many great stories, his began with a pivot and a bit of curiosity.

From Pandemic Confusion to Career Clarity

Benjamin’s foray into product design began in 2020, right in the middle of the global pandemic. With the world paused, he stumbled upon product design, and something clicked. He started with free online courses, then later enrolled in a design boot camp at Creative Ferry, where he finally began building solid foundations in UX and UI.

A pivotal moment came when he posted a design in an online community. The feedback wasn’t flattering, but it was honest. And more importantly, it attracted the attention of a boot camp founder who saw potential in him. That moment shifted everything. What began as experimentation soon became purpose. What started as self-doubt became direction.

Since then, he has worked across EdTech, NGOs, logistics, and financial services. Today, he designs experiences at a financial institution and mentors upcoming designers through the Veet platform.

The Minds That Moulded Him

Benjamin’s mentors aren’t just people in his field; they’re people who’ve shaped his philosophy.

Idorenyen (Idy) Enang, founder of Corporate Shepherds, is one such figure. “He’s a well of wisdom,” Benjamin says. “Even when he’s joking, there’s something to take away.” Idy’s career in multiple industries and leadership insights helped Benjamin rethink what success truly means.
In tech, Oluwadamilola Soyombo lit the first spark. “She made UX/UI feel achievable for me,” he recalls. Her clarity during a webinar became the launchpad for his confidence.
And then there’s Tobi Amodu, a designer who consistently made time to offer feedback even when others ignored cold DMs. “He gave me validation when I needed it most,” Benjamin says. “That kind of presence goes a long way.”

The Project That Left a Mark

One of the most defining experiences in Benjamin’s career came while volunteering with Isé Africa, an EdTech startup.

With no prior EdTech background, he volunteered to challenge himself and ended up designing the homepage, course dashboard, and talent acquisition flow. “It wasn’t just about having polished Figma files,” he says. “The real win was seeing people use what I designed. That was unforgettable.”

Habits That Lead to Impact

Benjamin approaches every project and every mentorship session with intention.

“I never jump into a project blindly,” he says. “Discovery calls are non-negotiable. I need to know the goals, users, and what success actually means.”

For mentorship, he leads with one powerful question:

“Why are you here?”

Because without clarity, even the best advice can fall flat.

His workspace reflects the same mindset. It’s filled with books, notepads, and quiet reminders to stay curious. “Once you stop learning, you start fading,” he says.

If Tech Took a Pause…

If Benjamin had to take a one-year break from tech?

I’d travel,” he says immediately. “Experience new places. Then maybe explore real estate, it’s a quiet passion of mine.

That balance; ambition with introspection, defines him.

The Mindset Every Beginner Needs

Benjamin’s advice for newcomers is practical and honest:

Do your research – Don’t chase trends. Use tools like Google and ChatGPT to explore what roles actually require.
Stay curious – Curiosity will take you further than raw talent.
Find mentors and communities – Join groups, engage, and never isolate yourself.
Share your work, shamelessly – “A mentee of mine landed a job just by sharing designs online. Visibility opens doors.”

A closed mouth,” he says, “is a closed destiny.

Beyond the Workspace

Off the clock, Benjamin is all about video games, reading, and recharging through nature. Childhood puzzles, long game nights, and real-life grass-touching moments fuel his creativity just as much as any course or case study.

What Mentees Don’t Ask - But Should

“Most people ask about my career path or how to handle imposter syndrome,” he explains. “But what they don’t ask enough is:

‘Why am I here?’ What exactly do I want from mentorship?’

That question, he believes, changes everything.

What It’s Like to Learn From Him

Benjamin’s mentorship style is defined by one word: depth.

He’s not in a rush to “tick a box.” He’s present. He listens. And he stays until you’re clear. One session that was supposed to last an hour turned into three full hours. “It had to,” he says. “The mentee needed more than just quick answers, she needed direction.”